Last summer, Spike Lee organized the first-annual Brooklyn Loves Michael Jackson Birthday Party in Prospect Park, and it was awesome. I’ve never attended an even of that scale (20,000 people!) before that didn’t have problems, but this one went off without a hitch—everyone was nice to each other, no one was arrested, and nobody got stupid. It really was a mass celebration of L.O.V.E. + music + dancing + family + friends + FUN, which is exactly what a Michael Jackson birthday party should be.
I find it dismaying how many supposed “Michael Jackson tribute” events (not to mention all of the awards show events) have been held around the world in the past year that have really been little more than an excuse for greedy people to make money (or to promote other artists) by exploiting MJ’s name. Spike is doing this for FREE (with the inimitable DJ Spinna!), and he’s doing it RIGHT. I’m so pleased that it wasn’t a one-time thing, either. I’d love to see this celebration become an annual event. Thank you, Spike! (For more information, visit the event page on Facebook.)
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That’s awesome! I wish I was going to be there then!
Yay for this happening again in my neighborhood this year! Boo that we will be in Seattle on that date! Why can’t there be other parties like this?
This is eight shades of awesome… sad to miss it though. Balls.
I wish that these people that now support him in death had also supported him while he was alive. I’ve never really cared about him one way or another but honestly? It kind of disgusts me the number of celebrities that have come out of the woodwork to say how they’ve just always loved him. Where was that love when the world gossiped about him and he needed support? grr arg.
I’m glad Spike is doing a free event and not trying to make a buck like so many people are doing.
@Amanda: I agree with you for sure, but I don’t think I can lump Spike into that category. He even directed a couple of excellent videos for MJ about 15 years ago (as well as one last year), and he grew up with him — he’s never been shy about calling himself a fan. I think it’s natural and normal for people to realize just how much someone meant to them after they die (I know I went through the same thing myself with MJ, as did a number of my friends). Spike has been very frank about he fact that MJ’s death really took its toll and hit him much harder than he could have imagined.
I do take issue with the people who made jokes and spoke disparagingly about him for years, though, only to start singing a different tune after 6/25. It’s sad and frustrating.
@Jenna
I don’t live in that area, but I have been told that there is another MJ Birthday party that goes on in Seattle that is pretty good.
the design geek in me really loves the use of type to create the ‘fros for mj.
unfortunately, absence does make the heart grow fonder… many people didn’t realise and appreciate what an amazing talent michael jackson was until he was actually gone. i have always respected michael jackson and liked his music, but i guess i can’t really claim to have been a die-hard fan… something i now regret but i was truly excited when he’d announced he’d be touring again and hoped to be able to finally see him in concert. (rest in peace <3)
I love this. I wish I could go. Maybe next year.